Fujifilm FinePix XP50 vs Samsung WB750 – A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a compact camera in the evolving digital landscape often means balancing diverse needs: image quality, handling, specialized features, and practical utility against price and intended use. The Fujifilm FinePix XP50 and Samsung WB750, both introduced in 2011–2012, target different segments within the compact camera market but overlap enough to justify a thorough comparative analysis. This exhaustive review addresses each essential photographic discipline and workflow factor, unpacking how these two cameras stack up in real-world usage and which user profiles they best serve.

First Look: Ergonomics and Physical Design

Size, weight, and control layout profoundly influence the shooting experience, especially in prolonged or demanding scenarios such as outdoor adventure or travel photography.

Fujifilm XP50

• Dimensions: 99 x 68 x 26 mm
• Weight: 175 g (battery and card included)
• Compact, ruggedized form factor designed with durability in mind; sealed against water, dust, and freeze conditions.

Samsung WB750

• Dimensions: 105 x 59 x 25 mm
• Weight: 193 g (battery and card included)
• Slimmer build with slightly greater length, focusing on telephoto versatility.

The XP50’s sturdier, more robust chassis incorporates environmental sealing - waterproof, dustproof, and freezeproof attributes - which immediately make it suited for outdoor and active use. The Samsung lacks any official weather sealing but compensates with a more elongated body that supports a longer zoom range. Both models forego built-in electronic viewfinders, relying exclusively on their rear LCDs for composition.

Control Layout and User Interface

Handling nuances are critical in fast-paced shooting environments. Both cameras feature non-touch TFT LCDs and fixed control schemes, but with differences in design priorities.

• Fujifilm XP50: Simplified button layout, bulky shutter button with textured grip rims to facilitate usage with gloves or wet fingers, suited for rugged conditions. Absence of manual aperture or shutter priority modes limits direct exposure control, simplifying operation for casual users but possibly frustrating for enthusiasts wanting more control.

• Samsung WB750: Incorporates a more traditionally staffed control set with a mode dial supporting manual exposure, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. The top layout features a prominent zoom rocker and dedicated exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO buttons, catering to photographers who prefer on-the-fly tweaking over menu diving.

The Samsung thus presents a keener interface for users requiring operational flexibility, while the Fujifilm prioritizes durability and straightforward usage.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Insights

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor - a common compact form factor balancing size with cost and lens integration flexibility. Understanding sensor performance here highlights intrinsic limitations and how image quality unfolds in practice.

The Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor theoretically improves low-light sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio compared to the XP50’s standard CMOS sensor - an advantage in higher ISO shooting and shadow recovery. However, both cameras do not support RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude and anchoring image fidelity to in-camera JPEG processing capabilities.

In testing, both produce acceptable daylight images with decent sharpness and color fidelity; however, the Samsung tends to handle noise with slightly greater grace from ISO 800 upwards, attributable to its BSI design. Dynamic range remains modest in both, with midtone preservation prioritized over highlight recovery.

Display and Viewing Experience

Given the lack of optical or electronic viewfinders, the rear LCD screen is the primary means of framing and reviewing images.

• Fujifilm XP50: 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution. Smaller and less detailed display, which can hinder precise focusing and composition under bright conditions. The screen’s fixed angle imperils versatility, especially for low/high angle shots.

• Samsung WB750: Larger 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution. Nearly double the dot count affords greater clarity and easier menu navigation. This larger, sharper screen aids manual focusing and controlling exposure parameters more reliably.

In challenging outdoor lighting, neither display includes anti-reflective coating, but the Samsung screen generally offers better visibility. Neither model supports touchscreen input, requiring reliance on physical buttons for all commands.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

One of the defining attributes separating these two cameras is the lens design and zoom range, which impacts compositional flexibility and subject reach.

• Fujifilm XP50: 28–140 mm equivalent (5× optical zoom) with an aperture range of F3.9–4.9.
• Samsung WB750: 24–432 mm equivalent (18× optical zoom) at F3.2–5.8.

The Samsung WB750 offers a significantly more versatile telephoto reach, enabling distant subject capture such as wildlife or sports with greater framing flexibility. The Fujifilm’s shorter zoom range aligns with general travel and outdoor use cases, optimized for moderate landscapes and casual snapshots.

Macro focusing capabilities slightly favor the Samsung with a minimum focus distance of 5 cm compared to Fujifilm’s 9 cm, potentially delivering better close-up detail.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus precision and speed notably influence usability across most genres, especially wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Samsung WB750’s inclusion of face detection improves focus reliability in portraits and group shots. However, it lacks continuous autofocus during burst shooting, limiting tracking for fast-moving subjects. Fujifilm offers continuous AF during burst at a modest frame rate.

Notably, Samsung supports manual focusing, a significant advantage for macro, landscape, and low light critical focusing. Contrast-detection AF inherently struggles with speed compared to phase detection, and both cameras deliver average speed under typical conditions, corroborated by hands-on testing showing occasional hunting in dim lighting.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

The XP50’s hallmark is a rugged, sealed design protecting against water immersion (up to 10 meters), dust ingress, and freezing temperatures, making it a preferred choice for adventure, hiking, or beach use where weather or environment is threatening.

The Samsung WB750 does not advertise any environmental sealing and carries a more delicate compact body, best confined to dry, controlled shooting environments.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm XP50: Uses NP-45A battery pack, rated for approximately 220 shots per charge.
• Samsung WB750: Utilizes SLB-10A battery, with manufacturer ratings not explicitly documented, but user reports suggest average endurance for cameras in this class.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards through a single slot, offering straightforward expandable storage.

Video Recording Flexibility

Given the increased popularity of hybrid stills/video cameras, video capabilities merit scrutiny.

Samsung’s ability to record in higher compression formats (MPEG-4, H.264) potentially yields better quality at comparable file sizes. Both cameras lack external mic support, fine for casual video but restricting for more serious sound recording.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let us delve into practical, genre-specific performance implications:

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm XP50: Lacking face or eye detection autofocus adversely impacts fast, accurate focusing on faces. The fixed aperture and moderate zoom range limit creative bokeh control. However, sensor stabilization helps reduce blur when shooting handheld.
• Samsung WB750: Face detection autofocus aids precise focusing on eyes and smiles. Manual focus option enables refined portrait framing, and longer zoom facilitates flattering headshots without distortion.

Landscape Photography

• XP50: Robust build allows photographing in inclement weather, a major advantage. 14MP resolution is adequate for moderate print sizes. Fixed 28mm wide angle offers decent framing but no RAW support constrains dynamic range recovery post-capture.
• WB750: Slightly lower pixel count but overall comparable image quality. 24mm starting focal length widens field of view, advantageous for sweeping vistas. Absence of weather sealing suggests caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• XP50: The limited 5× zoom restricts distant subject capture; however, continuous AF with burst shooting (3fps) provides some tracking capability for nearby wildlife.
• WB750: 18× zoom significantly improves reach; however, slower autofocus and lack of continuous AF in burst mode could hinder high-speed subject capture.

Sports Photography

• XP50: Modest 3fps burst rate and continuous AF offer basic action capturing, but sensor size and processing limit efficacy in very low light or fast sports.
• WB750: High burst rate (10fps) enables dynamic sequences, but AF must be locked prior to burst shooting, potentially missing fast-moving athletes.

Street Photography

• XP50: Compact and weather-sealed, suitable for candid shooting in all weather; however, slower response and limited zoom may be suboptimal.
• WB750: Slimmer profile and rapid shooting make it well-suited for street, but lack of weather resistance is a drawback.

Macro Photography

• XP50: Minimum focusing distance of 9 cm with sensor-shift stabilization offers stable handheld macro shots but limited reach.
• WB750: Superior 5 cm minimum focusing distance and manual focus assistance enable more precise close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras are challenged by sensor size and noise at high ISOs; however, Samsung’s BSI sensor edges slightly in low-light conditions. The lack of RAW and long exposure noise reduction options constrains astrophotography potential.

Video Use

• Both deliver solid 1080p at 30fps video, suitable for casual content. Samsung’s optical stabilization offers smoother hand-held video.

Travel Photography

• Fujifilm’s ruggedness and compact dimensions lend itself well for adventurous travel; battery life is modest but manageable. Samsung’s longer zoom and more flexible exposure control cater to diverse shooting scenarios, albeit at risk from environmental factors.

Professional Application

• Neither camera supports RAW or advanced file formats required for professional workflows, making them unsuitable for high-end work despite some operational versatility.

Comprehensive Image Quality Comparison

Fujifilm XP50 front Fujifilm XP50 screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Side-by-side image samples highlight:

• Fujifilm XP50: Slightly improved color saturation, sturdy JPEG processing, but with noise creeping in at ISO 800+. Lens distortion at wide zoom settings is moderate.

• Samsung WB750: Cleaner shadow detail, better handling of highlight rolloff, and sharper telephoto shots due to longer zoom, but slightly flatter colors.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Quantitative scoring derived from lab and field tests rates the cameras across core categories:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Summary:

• Adventure and outdoor: XP50 dominant due to ruggedness.
• Telephoto and wildlife: WB750 preferred for zoom and control.
• Casual family or travel: XP50 is easy and robust; WB750 offers flexibility.
• Video-centric usage: Slight edge to WB750.
• Pro/advanced manual control: Clearly WB750.

Final Assessment and Recommendations

Who Should Consider Fujifilm FinePix XP50?

The Fujifilm XP50 stands out for photographers prioritizing:

• Rugged environmental sealing - waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof built to endure harsh conditions
• Simple, reliable point-and-shoot experience without manual exposure complexity
• Travel and adventure photography where physical durability trumps zoom reach or exposure control
• Users indifferent to RAW capture or advanced AF capabilities
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting assured value for tough outdoor use

Its sensor-shift stabilization, waterproof rating, and durability remain compelling even a decade post-introduction.

Who Should Opt for Samsung WB750?

The Samsung WB750 suits users needing:

• Extensive telephoto range (18× zoom) for wildlife, sports, or travel requiring framing versatility
• Full manual exposure modes including shutter and aperture priority, plus manual focusing for creative control
• Higher resolution and sharper, brighter LCD facilitating precise control and composition
• Face-detection autofocus for portrait improvement
• More aggressive burst shooting capability (10fps) suited to action photography

This camera fits enthusiasts willing to forgo weather sealing for versatility and exposure control.

Summary

Both the Fujifilm FinePix XP50 and Samsung WB750 carve niche roles within the compact camera realm. The XP50 is resolutely a ruggedized "go anywhere" travel and adventure shooter, sacrificing zoom and exposure flexibility for build quality and simplicity. Conversely, the Samsung WB750 delivers superior zoom and manual shooting features at the cost of environmental robustness, appealing to photographers valuing reach and control over durability.

Careful consideration of shooting environment, subject matter, and desired operational complexity should dictate choice. For outdoorsmythic robustness, the Fujifilm XP50 remains an excellent entry-level waterproof option. For telephoto versatility with manual exposure control, Samsung's WB750 is a better albeit more delicate compact camera.

This comparison reflects exhaustive hands-on testing, sensor analysis, and feature breakdowns based on years of professional evaluation of hundreds of compact cameras. Photographing in demanding environments or requiring precise control directs user preference decisively toward one or the other. Neither falls short in delivering functional value but differ substantially in scope and target use cases.

Careful alignment of these insights with your photographic ambitions will ensure that your investment leads to consistent satisfaction rather than compromise at critical moments.